"Four Year" Plan for Future Health Professionals

In other words, most students choose to spread their preparations out over more than the four years of college, choose to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by the college, and choose to fully explore the many rewarding careers and experiences available to them.

Students take many paths to careers in the health professions – yes, you can get into medical school with a BA in English from Bowdoin! However, all the choices you make (major, study away, etc.) will affect the path you take. You should consult your faculty advisors and the Director of Health Professions Advising as you plan your education. Your plan is likely to be longer than the next four years – in fact only about 15% of students matriculate into medical immediately after they graduate! The majority students choose not matriculate until 2 years or more after graduation. This is true everywhere, not just at Bowdoin, and in fact health professions schools appreciate more mature applicants with greater life experiences.

First Year

Settle into your courses and college life

Consider engaging in a few extracurricular opportunities

Contact your academic advisor or the health professions advisor if you have questions about course selection

Sophomore Year

Assess your academic and personal strengths and interests

Explore options in health care (see Exploration page for ideas)

Review the academic requirements for different health professions

Meet with the health professions advisor to discuss your interests

Select your major, based upon your strengths and interests

Decide if you will apply to study away, and map out courses accordingly

Participate in extracurricular activities

Engage in community service

Attend relevant informational programs on campus

Plan to make constructive use of your summer

Summer after Sophomore Year

Hold a pertinent internship, if possible, or try to volunteer in a health care field on the side